Welsh government-backed website offers sex industry job advice

A Welsh government-backed careers website offered advice about jobs in the sex industry, it has been revealed.

Business Wales published tips on how to become a stripper or run a lap-dancing club, The Mirror reports.

It advised strippers and lap-dancers that they could "expect to earn an average £232 per evening" and have an annual income that "can range from £24,000 to £48,000".

The website also advised those who were interested in setting up their own escort business by saying that "escorts provide companionship to the client when attending events such as a formal dinner or the theatre".

The fact sheet on the website said: "Escort agencies usually have several escorts on their books. Agencies charge escorts an 'introduction fee' of between 25% and 55% of what the client pays to the escort."

Wales's First Minister Carwyn Jones launched an investigation into the website, after concerns were raised during First Minister's questions.

Plaid Cymru AM, Jocelyn Davies, said: "I'm certainly not a prude, but it is hard to understand how the Welsh Government can believe it is acceptable to provide information to help women become strippers or run a lap dancing club, which is classed as a sex establishment.

"While jobs are difficult to find and money is tight, should the Welsh government be effectively facilitating these activities by putting information on their website?

"Stripping is degrading for women and the Welsh Government should not be promoting the view that sexually exploitative work is an acceptable career."

The sections of the website referring to stripping, lap-dancing and escorts have been taken down.